Page 78 of Blades of Ice

“You’re asking me to lie to my family, Sweet Girl. I don’t like that one bit.”

“I know, Mom, but I want to surprise them by showing up. If we call now, they’ll expect me to be on the first plane out to West Virginia. I want to spend more time with Gio before leaving. Once I get to Carlton, I have a feeling Dakota is going to tie me to a chair after ripping me a new one.”

The last week had been filled with babysitting Gio so her parents could sleep, hanging out with Cailín until she was assigned a case, showing Beck, Dooley, and Kennedy around the city, and relaxing at home. The most exciting thing that happened was her Uncle Frey offering Beck a job. Frey and Abbi had been splitting their time between Atlanta and California, but now they wanted to move to the West Coast for good. Or at least the next fifty years or so. In doing that, Frey needed someone to teach the younger generation to fly. Beck had been honored, but when he told Frey about Sebastian tasking Lydia with finding shifters for the council, Frey understood why Beck couldn’t accept.

Before leaving Atlanta, Lydia suggested taking both vehicles to West Virginia so Dooley and Kennedy could come and go as they pleased. Beck pulled into the parking lot, and Lydia froze. Not only was Sebastian standing out front, but Dakota was next to him.

“Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit.”

Beck palmed her nape. “We talked about this, Sugar. One wrong word, and we’re right back in the car.”

“Lydia Nicole Stone, get your ass out of the car.” Bas took off at a jog with the biggest grin on his face.

Lydia threw open the door and barely had enough time to put her foot down before she was engulfed in a hug. “Gods, am I glad to see you.” He picked her up and twirled her around. When he set her on her feet, he placed his hands on her arms. “You look good, Cousin.” Bas looked over her shoulder. “And who is this?”

Lydia had planned to ease into this conversation, but instead she blurted, “My mate, Sawyer Beckett.”

“Sawyer Stone, actually,” Beck corrected her.

“No wonder you didn’t call.” Dakota stomped toward her. “You found a mate. You got married. What else did you fail to share when we talked?” Dooley and Kennedy took that moment to exit their vehicle, and Dakota went from pissed-off Queen to smiling lodge owner. “Welcome to Holt Lodge. We don’t open for another week, but come inside, and I’ll show you around.”

Dooley jerked his thumb Lydia’s direction. “Actually, we’re with them.”

Dakota glared at Lydia.

Lydia sighed. “It’s a long story.”

“It had better be a good one,” Dakota huffed. “Well, don’t just stand there. Get your asses inside.”

Bas hugged Lydia. “She’ll calm down. She was really worried about you. You found your mate, huh?”

“Yep, and he’s a polar bear.”

Sebastian snapped his head around to look at Beck, and Beck shrugged. “Well, I did tell you to find other shifters. Are they bears too?” Bas angled his head toward Dooley and Kennedy.

“Dooley is. Kennedy is an arctic fox.” Kennedy gave a little wave, and Bas grinned.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Let’s get inside before my mate tears the bar apart.” Bas paused, and leaned in to whisper, “I dreamed about you trudging through the snow.”

Lydia smiled. “It wasn’t a dream.” She winked, then held out her hand for Beck. She needed his touch to get through the next however long it took to calm Dakota down. Once inside, a wave of family hit.

“Lydia!” Tabby yelled, rushing forward on her high heels. Anthony was right behind his twin, with Seven in tow. After hugging Lydia, Tabby asked, “Who is this?” Her voice was low and sultry when she eyed Beck up and down.

“Her husband,” Dakota said from behind the bar.

“Your what? You got married?”

Lydia looked around, noticing several workers, and after reaching out with her senses, recognized some as human. “Is there somewhere we can talk privately?”

Dakota growled, and the humans froze. She then coughed, trying to cover her faux pas. “I think we’re good for today. Everyone, go home, and I’ll see you in the morning.” The humans didn’t hesitate to leave the room. They exited through the hall that led to the breakroom where they would have stored their belongings.

Bas walked behind the bar and wrapped Dakota in his arms. “Let’s listen to what she has to say, okay, My Love?”

Dakota deflated. “What can I get y’all to drink? I’m having tequila because I have a feeling I’m gonna need it.”

Lydia turned into Beck, hiding her face. “I’d like a stout, please,” he said. Dooley ordered a pale ale, and Kennedy asked for a soda. “Come on, Sugar. Let’s get this over with.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Come here.” Dakota rounded the bar and pulled Lydia away from Beck. “Are you happy?” Lydia nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Shit. Don’t cry.” Dakota hugged her tightly, and Lydia cried harder.

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